Skip to main content
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Did you hear? There's a new SQL AI Developer certification (DP-800). Start preparing now and be one of the first to get certified. Register now

Reply
codyraptor
Resolver I
Resolver I

Distinct Count Optimized when Filtered

I have a simple DAX query counting distinct ID's in a fact table.  When I run a simple 'Distinctcount(ID)....I get the answer in 7ms.  However...I need to run a distinct count on ID's where fact[column] <> 'XX'.  My calculation jumps to 700ms once a filter is applied.  I've tried applying the filter on the fact table as well as on the DIM table (1 to many)....but can't seem to optimize and get the initial speed.  Any thoughts?  I've read the sqlbi paper on distinct count...but I don't see anything specific to applying filters in the calculation.

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION
tamerj1
Community Champion
Community Champion
2 REPLIES 2
tamerj1
Community Champion
Community Champion

MattAllington
Community Champion
Community Champion

My guess is that the first result is sourcing the answer from metadata. Once you apply a filter, it has to do the actual count. It's only a guess. 



* Matt is an 8 times Microsoft MVP (Power BI) and author of the Power BI Book Supercharge Power BI.
I will not give you bad advice, even if you unknowingly ask for it.

Helpful resources

Announcements
April Power BI Update Carousel

Power BI Monthly Update - April 2026

Check out the April 2026 Power BI update to learn about new features.

Fabric SQL PBI Data Days

Data Days 2026 coming soon!

Sign up to receive a private message when registration opens and key events begin.

New to Fabric survey Carousel

New to Fabric Survey

If you have recently started exploring Fabric, we'd love to hear how it's going. Your feedback can help with product improvements.

Power BI DataViz World Championships carousel

Power BI DataViz World Championships - June 2026

A new Power BI DataViz World Championship is coming this June! Don't miss out on submitting your entry.